This is How My SketchVentures Started

What does Everest Base Camp have to do with sketching?

A decision to trek to Everest Base Camp in April 2013 was the inspiration for the beginning of my art journey. I decided in July 2012 that I would fulfill a trekking dream of mine. Because I was somewhat unfit I started my physical training immediately. I needed to be fit if I was to trek through Nepal at high altitudes, and with my little legs I had to work harder!.

A sketchy thought……

As time passed I thought it would be a great idea to journal my trek not just by writing about it and taking photos but to document it through sketches. So I signed up for the Drawing for Non-Drawers course . We didn’t learn to draw in this course because we ended up with a relief teacher, who taught us other arty things instead, which was cool.

So, I ended up teaching myself how to draw and sketch. But that wasn’t until 2014. Before that, I got caught up with experimenting with paints and mixed media because art was new to me and I was having so much fun just playing and getting messy at workshops I enrolled in.

All the while I kept thinking about travel sketching and not knowing where to begin, then one day I`stumbled across Michael Nobbs’ Sustainably Creavitve website and books. The best advice I read was to just start and “draw bad!!” …….and so I did! I drew bad everyday!

Urban Sketching

I didn’t care how or what I sketched, just as long as I was doing it. I surfed the internet for images of travel sketches, and in search of people who travel sketch. ….then jackpot!!! I discovered the Urban Sketchers community. A world wide community of artists (professional and amateur) who sketch on location.

I found my home!

I’m yet to attend a symposium. The very first symposium I read about happened to fall on my birthday and was held in Brazil. I desperately wanted to go.

2015’s symposium is in Singapore (my home country) and so close too but again I can’t attend. I have other prior commitments.

Oh well, 2016 will be my symposium year and who knows where in the world it will be. I can’t wait!

Never leave home without it!!

My travel sketch kit is almost always with me. I very rarely leave home without it. I have more than enough travel palettes and this (above) is my favourite DIY kit.

Interpreting the world and my world as I see it through my sketches is therapeutic and but mostly fun!

Come join me on my sketchventures as I explore more of Perth and anywhere else I happen to be (you may even see sketches of my meals – another favourite past time of mine), and random everyday life sketches.

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Hi I’m Aggie

A writer, blogger, adventure artist and a retired psychologist exploring, discovering and experiencing life and happiness through travel, food, art, writing and other things. Embracing everyday-ness, documenting daily life in my sketchbook and telling stories. I'm here to share, connect and hoping to inspire. The world is my studio and I'm so glad you stopped by. More about Aggie ...